Will James elected new chairman of Rugby Players’ Association - Rugby update
England born, Welsh player Will James, has been elected the new chairman of Rugby Players’ Association on November 1, as David Barnes stepped down from the position due to a severe injury to his neck. The position was vacant by Barnes during last year as
he failed to recover form devastating neck injury and ultimately resigned from rugby. The newly appointed chairman expressed his hopes on Tuesday November1 that he would try to carry on good work initiated by David Barnes.
Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) is a body that represents the athletes playing professional or semi professional rugby in England. The body was established in 1998 and its pioneer name was Professional Rugby Players' Association. The body was formed to
address the problems faced by players including searching new contracts, providing assistance in illness and other odd circumstances.
The outgoing chairman of RPA, David Barnes, served the body for consecutive six years and played a powerful role for its promotion. The 35-year-old prop had played for number of renowned clubs for several years. He started off his club rugby career with
the Newcastle in 1995 and ended his campaign with Bath after playing 242 games for club.
Meanwhile, Will James, who is currently playing for Gloucester, has also represented the national side of Wales in four tests. Talking to the reporters about his new responsibility and said that it is a big role and would try to justify his selection for
the post. He added that, “It is a big role within The RPA and the game and a good opportunity for me to be able to give input into the work done by the Association. It's an honour to have been elected RPA Chairman by my fellow Player Representatives.”
He added that, “Our role as Player Representatives at the clubs includes relaying issues to our RPA Player Development Managers and working with them to initiate education programmes for life after rugby, voicing player welfare issues and ensuring all benefits
are filtered down to the members.”
Northampton Saints lock Christian Day will perform the duties of his assistant during the tenure.
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